August poll results lacked transparency - HRC

...with Dr Pamela Sambo saying the Commission is gravely concerned over arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, denial to access to justice of suspects and lack of transparency in the management of election results, condemns the closure of the courts on August 24 By MUBITA KATETE THE August 13 general elections were largely marred by a range of electoral malpractices and frauds, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, 37 cases of violence, voter intimidation as well as vandalism, the Human Rights Commission (HRC) has said. Dr Pamela Sambo, the HRC chairperson says the 2026 general election had recorded 126 election-related incidents. Dr Sambo said the commission’s report covering 2025 to September 30, 2026 had raised concerns over arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, access to justice and transparency in the management of election results. “There is a need to strengthen accountability for electoral violence and safeguard fundamental human rights throughout the electoral process. The commission’s report covering 2025 to September 30, 2026 had raised concerns over arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, access to justice and transparency in the management of election results,” Dr Sambo said. She said the commission had expressed concern over reports of delayed court appearances for detainees and limited access to lawyers, family members and medical care for some detainees. “Our report for the August general election has also questioned the closure of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, High Court and other court premises on August 24, 2026. The move raised concerns about access to justice during the period for filing presidential election petitions,” Dr Sambo said. On electoral transparency, the HRC said the suspension of vote counting and the announcement of results between 12 and 18 hours on August 14 created an information gap. “Although voting and counting proceeded in an orderly manner at many locations, operational challenges were observed, including late opening of polling stations, shortages of materials and disputes at polling and totalling centres,” she said. The commission has recommended that the Electoral Commission of Zambia establish a clear crisis communication protocol and provide regular public updates whenever electoral processes are disrupted or delayed. Dr Sambo said the commission’s report was also highlighting the underrepresentation of women, who accounted for 7.1 percent of presidential candidates and 12.5 percent of parliamentary candidates. “It further records reports of cyberbullying, intimidation, threats and gender-based harassment against women in elections. Persons with disabilities also faced barriers, including inaccessible polling stations and difficulties obtaining appropriate voting assistance,” she said.

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